Manama: Bahrain is to seek court approval to dissolve the main opposition group Al Wefaq and a second opposition group, the state news agency said on Thursday.

"The Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs announced it is raising legal action to dissolve the Islamic Action party and Wefaq group," a statement on the Bahrain News Agency said.

"This is because of major violations of the constitution and laws of the kingdom, undertaking activities that harmed social peace, national unity, and inciting disrespect for constitutional institutions."